"Among the natural rights of the colonists, are these First: a Right to Life; secondly to Liberty ; thirdly to Property; together with the right to support and defend them in the best manner they can..."
Here, Samuel Adams is addressing the three natural rights the colonists had, also in the words of John Locke. Life, their existence, liberty, their state of freedom in society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority in their life, and their property or belongings. Till today we are still entitled to those things, but under watch and control. We do have a right to life, liberty and property, however we must not abuse these rights, hence why we have laws and authoritative figures to keep watch over the people.
"Nor let it be said, in the present age that their black color (as it is commonly called) either subjects them to, or qualifies them for slavery."
Plainly put, the author was conveying his feelings about the inhumanity towards dark skinned or Black people. Basing their beliefs on Cain being marked with a black mark, white people decided that they should be enslaved because anything associated with being dark is a terrible thing. The author, Benjamin Rush pleads with those who advocate for American liberty to shine light on the situation and grant Black people their natural freedom. This is relatable in which America has the pledge on allegiance, which states "one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all." So with that said, the founders of the pledge wanted America to be based on justice and liberty. It is a natural right, and it is not fair nor is it right to enslave someone based on the color of their skin as well as assume Biblical texts back up their ridiculous belief.
"But as the colony increases, the public concerns will increase likewise..."
Here the author, Thomas Paine was addressing that the larger the population, the higher the likelihood of problems. Each problem would not be addressed as quickly as possible, as opposed to a small population which had fewer problems because persons were near to each other. For example, while living in a small village, one would find that it would typically be a family because everyone knows one another, problems can be handled in a quicker manner and there are less problems. Versus living in a huge city, it would be hard for everyones needs to be taken care of.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
9/9: The Little Speech
"Therefore when you see infirmities in us, you should reflect upon your own and that would make you bear the more with us, and not be severe censurers of the failings of your magistrates, when you have continual experience of the like infirmities in yourselves and others."
In this quote the author was referring to the Puritan people of Massachusetts in the year 1639. He was trying to persuade the people to treat the magistrates as they would treat themselves. Magistrates are civil officers or lay judges who administers the law, or one who conducts the court or deals with minor offenses. Winthrop went on to reiterate that the authority of the magistrates and the liberty of the people were the greatest concerns of the country. He wanted the people to understand that the magistrates were human beings, just as they were. If they were to mess up in the administration of the law, the people should not condemn them because they are not perfect. Everyone is flawed, and so the Puritan people should bear with them and work together with them to establish a better lawed community.
This is relatable in todays society. In the U.S.A., the famous, and any leader or official are being watched all the time. With any mess up, their errors are broadcasted on TV to make them look like awful people, when in fact they have done what an average person has done. For example, the Tiger Woods scandal has lost the guy the respect he once had. They made him look so bad, but in reality there are husbands and wives who cheat on each other all the time. He apologized to his many fans but not all forgave. Thus is the case with the magistrates. He pleads to all to be understanding as they do their job.
"Fourthly, the doctrine of persecution for cause of conscience, is proved guilty of all the blood of the souls crying for vengeance under the altar."
In the fourth doctrine, those that were killed under this cause of conscience were metaphorically desiring to avenge their death. In this quote, the author is trying to relay the hypocrisy of those same Christians murderers who supposedly loved peace. Here, the author is suggesting that they use violence and pressure to force their beliefs on other people. This is so common in todays society. Many people who observe religious beliefs that profess peace are fighting and killing each other. Just as the piece by Roger Williams was written in 1652, religious persecution is still dominant in todays society, and when analyzed, one can clearly detect hypocrisy in that.
"I. A democracy, which is when the sovereign power is lodged in a council consisting of all the members, and where every member has the privilege of a vote."
Here the author is simply defining democracy. This form of government happens to be the most ancient form, appearing in the greatest part of the world. It is a system of government by the whole population of a state, usually through elected representatives. For example, the American government has been democratic for centuries, even until today.
In this quote the author was referring to the Puritan people of Massachusetts in the year 1639. He was trying to persuade the people to treat the magistrates as they would treat themselves. Magistrates are civil officers or lay judges who administers the law, or one who conducts the court or deals with minor offenses. Winthrop went on to reiterate that the authority of the magistrates and the liberty of the people were the greatest concerns of the country. He wanted the people to understand that the magistrates were human beings, just as they were. If they were to mess up in the administration of the law, the people should not condemn them because they are not perfect. Everyone is flawed, and so the Puritan people should bear with them and work together with them to establish a better lawed community.
This is relatable in todays society. In the U.S.A., the famous, and any leader or official are being watched all the time. With any mess up, their errors are broadcasted on TV to make them look like awful people, when in fact they have done what an average person has done. For example, the Tiger Woods scandal has lost the guy the respect he once had. They made him look so bad, but in reality there are husbands and wives who cheat on each other all the time. He apologized to his many fans but not all forgave. Thus is the case with the magistrates. He pleads to all to be understanding as they do their job.
"Fourthly, the doctrine of persecution for cause of conscience, is proved guilty of all the blood of the souls crying for vengeance under the altar."
In the fourth doctrine, those that were killed under this cause of conscience were metaphorically desiring to avenge their death. In this quote, the author is trying to relay the hypocrisy of those same Christians murderers who supposedly loved peace. Here, the author is suggesting that they use violence and pressure to force their beliefs on other people. This is so common in todays society. Many people who observe religious beliefs that profess peace are fighting and killing each other. Just as the piece by Roger Williams was written in 1652, religious persecution is still dominant in todays society, and when analyzed, one can clearly detect hypocrisy in that.
"I. A democracy, which is when the sovereign power is lodged in a council consisting of all the members, and where every member has the privilege of a vote."
Here the author is simply defining democracy. This form of government happens to be the most ancient form, appearing in the greatest part of the world. It is a system of government by the whole population of a state, usually through elected representatives. For example, the American government has been democratic for centuries, even until today.
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